Doing these 5 things can give you cancer

Most cancers are caused by genetic changes, but there are some factors that can put one at a higher risk of developing cancer. Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre recently revealed that she's been diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Here are five surprising things that can increase one's risk of cancer.

New Delhi: The recent news of Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre Behl being diagnosed with metastatic cancer has come as a shock to most of us - even though we are attuned to the fact that cancer can strike anyone, including those leading a healthy lifestyle. But the risk of developing cancer goes up in people who live an unhealthy lifestyle. In fact, studies have shown that almost half of cancer cases are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, not exercising, binge drinking, not losing weight, etc. There is clear evidence that lifestyle behaviours play a role in the prevention and development of cancer in addition to genetic factors or a family history of the silent killer.

While most cancers are caused by genetic changes, many of us are aware of the fact that carcinogens are a major factor that increases a person’s risk of getting cancer. However, many people remain ignorant about the cancerous effects of a few things they do or substances that are present in their household items could also lead to cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the substances, situations and exposures that can lead to cancer are called carcinogens. These substances can be found in your food items, or in your everyday commodities. Here are the five most surprising things that can increase your risk of developing cancer. Read - Sonali Bendre undergoes treatment for metastatic cancer in New York: Symptoms, can cancer that has metastasized be cured?

Fragrance/Deodorant

If you wonder whether your perfume could give you cancer, the answer might be ‘Yes’ - because companies can use ingredients that are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and reproductive harm in the cosmetics and personal care products. To reduce your risk, the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners recommends avoiding any product that lists fragrance, parfum, phthalates, DEP, DBP or DEHP as an ingredient.

Moisturisers

A study done by a team of American researchers found that common moisturising creams can increase the risk of skin cancer in mice that had already experienced high doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The team accidentally discovered that the carcinogenic effects of moisturisers on UV damage while they were investigating how caffeine levels affected the development of skin cancer. In the study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the researchers tested four moisturising creams - and all four of them had tumorigenic activity. While the ingredients responsible for this effect remain a mystery, the two prime suspects are mineral oil, which has been shown to be tumorigenic in animal models, and sodium lauryl sulphate, a known irritant, said the study. The researchers, however, noted that they don’t know whether or not there’s an effect in people as the trial was conducted in mice. Also Read - Sonali Bendre’s metastatic cancer diagnosis: What to eat, what to avoid when you have high grade cancer

Food packaging

The problem is that chemicals - such as BPA - present in food and beverage packaging can routinely leach into food and enter people’s bodies. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is linked to a host of adverse health effects.

Dietary supplements

Supplements can help restore deficient in nutrients, but they may pose some risk. According to National Cancer Institute, results of some studies have suggested that a high calcium intake may lower the risk of one or more types of cancer, whereas other studies observed that a high calcium intake may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Generally, it is recommended to avoid taking dietary supplements unless your doctor prescribes you a particular supplement your body requires. Instead, one should opt for a healthy diet to get all the essential nutrients you need.

Working night shifts

Working the night shift has long been linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease, obesity, cancer, sleep disorders, etc. A recent study, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that women who worked long-term night shifts were at even greater risk of skin cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The body seems to retaliate against routines that go against the circardian rhyth, the natural cycle of waking and retiring with the rising and setting of the Sun. There's only this far that breaking Nature's protocol will allow you to go.

Doing these 5 things can give you cancerDescription:Most cancers are caused by genetic changes, but there are some factors that can put one at a higher risk of developing cancer. Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre recently revealed that she's been diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Here are five surprising things that can increase one's risk of cancer.Times Now Digital